Having a properly maintained smart irrigation system can significantly improve landscape management by optimizing water usage and ensuring even watering, and ensure the longevity of your sprinkler system.
Unlike traditional sprinkler systems that depend on manual settings and fixed scheduling, smart sprinkler systems integrate various data sources, such as weather data, evapotranspiration rates, and plant-specific information, to dynamically adjust watering schedules.
This intelligent automation allows for better water conservation, which is critical in a state like Texas, where drought conditions and water restrictions are common. Smart sprinkler systems are particularly valuable in such an environment and can be conveniently controlled through smartphone apps.
Here are the basic components of a smart irrigation system that, when put together, can help you implement sustainable water use practices and reduce utility bills:
Smart (WiFi) Sprinkler Controllers
The controller is the brain of a smart sprinkler system, scheduling and activating irrigation cycles based either on programming or real-time data inputs from sensors.
Traditional timers, which have been around for ages, allow for predetermined, fixed schedules, whereas smart controllers integrate weather forecasts, evapotranspiration rates (simply moisture loss from the soil through evaporation combined with the moisture loss from plants through leaves and stems (transpiration), and other advanced data to intelligently manage schedules independently.
A smart controller adjusts watering schedules to enhance water efficiency and reduce waste. These controllers can be monitored and controlled via smartphone apps and programmed according to specific designs and plant types to ensure the appropriate amount of water.
They can even be connected to weather stations, using local data to predict rainfall and adjust schedules accordingly. Through a combination of Internet connectivity and rain and freeze sensors, these systems integrate data points for precise irrigation and adaptation to the landscape’s unique needs.
At Smart Earth Sprinklers we install Wi-Fi controllers, which are great for homeowners looking for remote access. Another benefit is their ability to self adjust sprinkler-run-times based on weather conditions.
Sprinkler System Valves
Valves control the flow of water through the system. In a smart sprinkler system, valves can be either traditional or smart. Traditional solenoid valves are electrically operated and open and close based on preprogrammed and set signals from the controller.
Smart valves, on the other hand, are equipped with sensors, which communicate with the controller and provide real-time feedback. As such, smart valves regulate water flow to different zones intelligently, ensuring even distribution.
Intelligent valves can even detect leaks and shut off the water supply automatically to prevent waste.
Sprinkler Heads
Sprinkler heads distribute water over the landscape. There are various designs and types, depending on irrigation needs. For example, fixed spray heads emit a constant spray pattern for small to medium-sized areas, while rotary heads spin and cover larger areas with a lower precipitation rate to reduce runoff. Drip emitters can directly water the soil.
In a smart irrigation system, sprinkler heads can be customized for the landscape coverage. Different heads can be selected based on the size and shape of the area, and their spray patterns can be adjusted based on wind and pressure conditions to ensure consistent watering.
Backflow Preventer
Backflow preventers prevent contaminated water from flowing back into the clean water supply. In Texas, they are mandatory regardless of your irrigation setup.
These mechanisms stop the reverse flow of water when pressure drops, automatically preventing the backward movement of water to safeguard the water supply. They ensure the irrigation system operates correctly without compromising the quality of the water, helping you remain compliant with local regulations.
Zones & Sprinkler Systems
Although this is not a component, zoning is a concept that ensures your sprinkler system operates at maximum efficiency. You can guarantee effective irrigation and prevent over- or underwatering of particular areas by segmenting the irrigation system into zones.
A smart irrigation system allows for customized zone-based watering schedules, delivering different amounts of water to different plants and soil types based on their zone requirements.
Water wastage, runoff, and soil erosion can be reduced through customizing watering schedules for each zone.
With careful zone management, you can ensure that each area of your landscape receives the right amount of water to reduce waste and promote healthy plant growth.
What’s great about smart controllers is that they allow you to manage multiple zones independently, adjusting watering times and durations based on specific needs per zone. For instance, shaded areas can receive less water than sunny spots. Not only does this help optimize water usage, but it also promotes plant health.
Maintenance Plans for Year-Round Efficiency
Maintaining a smart sprinkler system as well as a traditional irrigation system is crucial for efficient water usage and ensuring your landscape stays healthy. Our maintenance plan caters to your smart system and can even be used to upgrade your systems to use “smart” parts.
Our technicians also clean any organic or non-organic material from clogged nozzles and clear any debris from pop-up filters, inspect spray heads for leaky seals, replace or upgrade any sprinkler heads as needed, and inspect the irrigation main line and lateral lines for leaks.
For comprehensive sprinkler maintenance for your smart system, our team provides the following with our maintenance plans:
- Ensures the rain sensor is properly operating
- Inspects the sprinkler system for correct water pressure
- Tests valve wiring from the controller to ensure all connections are intact
- Provide a watering schedule based on current restrictions
- Programs your irrigation control system as requested
- Adjusts watering schedules based on weather conditions and soil moisture levels
- Adjusts all sprinkler heads for proper coverage to minimize overspray
- Adjust the arc and distance on all rotor heads
- Check the proper height of sprinkler heads to ensure they are not too high or too low
- *Upgrade parts to be water intelligent (smart controller, sensors, more efficient nozzles) upon request for an additional charge.
At Smart Earth Sprinklers, we can advise on, maintain, and/or repair smart irrigation systems to ensure your landscape gets the best care possible. Click the link for more information about our sprinkler maintenance plan. For repairs to your sprinkler system Contact us today to find out more!
